The following information applies to RTC Logistics Ltd.: Operating income (EBIT) = $300,000 Shares outstanding = 120,000 shares Debt = $100,000 EPS = $1.45 Interest expense = $10,000 Stock price = $17.40 Tax rate = 40% The company is considering recapitalization where it would issue $348,000 worth of new debt and use the proceeds to buy back $348,000 worth of common stock. The buyback will be undertaken at the pre-recapitalization share price of $17.40 per share. The recapitalization is not expected to have an effect on operating income or the tax rate. After the recapitalization, the company’s total interest expense will be $50,000. 

Required: Assume that the recapitalization has no effect on the company’s price-earnings (P/E) ratio. What is the expected price of the company’s stock following the recapitalization? Should RTC proceed with the recapitalization exercise? Explain.